Nina Johnson
Creamy, buttery polenta crowned with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp makes this dish a warm and welcoming favorite. It’s comfort food with a coastal twist—perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply elevating your weeknight meals. The richness of the polenta balances beautifully with the spicy, savory shrimp, delivering a spoonful of satisfaction in every bite.
Whether you’re new to Southern cuisine or just looking for a quick and hearty recipe, this Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp dish is one to bookmark. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it comes together with surprisingly little effort—and might just become a regular on your dinner rotation.
What Kind of Polenta Should I Use?
Look for coarse or medium ground cornmeal labeled “polenta” for the best texture. Quick-cooking polenta can work in a pinch, but traditional slow-cooked polenta delivers a creamier, more luxurious consistency. Avoid using fine cornmeal or grits, as they won’t provide the same results.
Ingredients for the Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp bring the dish to life with their naturally sweet, briny flavor.
Polenta (coarse cornmeal): The creamy base that soaks up all the sauce and flavor, offering a satisfying texture contrast.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth to the polenta, enhancing its flavor far more than water alone.
Milk or cream: Used in the polenta for richness and smoothness.
Butter: Essential for flavor and to give both the shrimp and polenta a silky finish.
Garlic: Minced and sautéed, garlic brings warmth and aromatic depth to the shrimp.
Paprika: A pinch adds smokiness and color to the shrimp.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning each layer perfectly.
How To Make the Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss them with salt, pepper, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let them marinate while you begin the polenta.
Step 2: Cook the Polenta
Bring 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk (or cream) to a low boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of coarse polenta, reducing the heat to low. Stir frequently, cooking for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy. Finish with 2 tablespoons of butter, salt to taste, and an extra splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic (about 2 cloves) and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp turn rubbery fast!
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spoon a generous portion of creamy polenta into a bowl or shallow plate. Top with the sautéed shrimp and drizzle any pan juices over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a burst of herbal brightness.
How to Serve and Store This Creamy Polenta & Shrimp
Serve this dish hot, as soon as it’s cooked. The creamy polenta acts like a flavor sponge, making it perfect for scooping with a spoon to enjoy every drop of sauce. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlicky sautéed greens for a complete meal.
For storing, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the polenta and warm gently on the stovetop. Shrimp can be reheated lightly in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shrimp should I use?
Medium to large shrimp work best for even cooking and an impressive presentation.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid extra water in the pan.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and olive oil instead of butter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and cook the polenta in advance, but assemble the dish just before serving to keep textures at their best.
What’s the best way to reheat polenta?
Add a bit of broth or milk and reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until creamy again.
Can I add cheese to the polenta?
Definitely! Parmesan or sharp cheddar are great options to stir in at the end of cooking.
Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Creamy polenta pairs perfectly with sautéed shrimp in this simple yet flavorful Southern-inspired dish. Rich, savory, and finished with fresh herbs, it’s a comfort meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup coarse polenta (cornmeal)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or cream
3 tbsp butter (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Olive oil (for marinating)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Polenta: Bring broth and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta. Reduce heat and cook, stirring frequently for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in 2 tbsp butter and season with salt.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Assemble: Spoon polenta into bowls, top with shrimp and pan juices. Garnish with chopped parsley.
